Letting Managment agent go, now looking for Finders fee

Hi,

I have a rented property which is being managed by an agent. The thing is due to one thing or another I have being dealing with all the issues that arise in the house for the past year or so, Tenants are in about 1.5 years.

I decided to let the agent go and wrote a letter etc. He called me to say ok, but he wants a finders fee of €300. Rent is €600 pm.

I queried this with him, and he told me they were his tenants and if everyone started doing that he'd be out of business. I pay him 10% of rent.

Is he within his rights to look for this money bearing in mind he has deposit and months rent in his possession?
Thx.

Usual question - Is there a written agreement regarding fees and charges?

If the tenants are in 18 months and he has received 10% of 10,800, €1,080 as a management fee for performing a job that you have been doing, then I would believe he has been adequately compensated. Have the reasons that you have been doing the work been the fault of the agent? Have you raised concerns in the past?

Nothing in contract about it.

Main reason is Tenants didn't like the guy, said he didn't do things on time for them and left them waiting. I got worried they would leave as they were making noises and said in future to contact me.

I think I'd better let him keep it as I'll probably have to take him to court to get it back, plus we're in a regional town and if I need tenants in future. I'll probably have to use his service as he has the town sown up...

Do you mind me asking which regional town you are from?